What if the person isn't religious? Or if they have different beliefs but still believe in God? I understand churches have rights, but when marriage has become secular and atheists get married, if they're marrying in the church that does recognize it, is legal marriage still a sacred covenant before God? The point is.. legally, there is a separation between church and state in the US and so religious people should not be able to say no to marriages that they don't agree upon for everyone. Hence, my last sentence in the post.